Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Our family dog Shadow was diagnosed with cancer on Monday, April 3rd and by the 7th her front left leg had been amputated. She is an 80 pound retriever mix and almost 14 years old. It's been 2 days now and we are having a very difficult time adjusting to helping her use the bathroom. She is able to help me get herself around the den but I do have to carry her outside due to the distance. We have not successfully been able to make it outside in time for her to urinate. She has accidents inside but doesn't try to move from where she is laying when she has her accidents. Can anyone give me advice on helping her with bathroom time?
Sorry to hear about the trouble Shadow is having, but it is still very early in the recovery process and you've come to the right place for helpful tips and support from others.
Consider keeping her in an ex-pen close to easy access outside. Place puppy pads in the pen and on the way to the door. Use a sling if she needs help getting about on her own. Keep movement to a minimum, confinement and moderation are key to a quick complete recovery! FYI: You can make a sling from a shopping bag if necessary.
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Best wishes, please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Ditto above!
I know it is sooooo hard to be patient, but you may experience this lack of mobility, pee accidents, etc for a few more days. For whatever it's worth, this is somewhat expected with a large and "mature" pup just out of surgery!
On top of that, Shadow is on pain meds (hopefully!) and feeling pretty loopy!
Ost dogs come home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, an antibiotic and often Gabapentin. Some dogs have a Fentanyl too.
How 'bout Shadow? Is her pain being managed okay? Does she seem somewhat comfortable? As comfortable as any dog can feel who just had MAJOR surgery and an amputation!
Right now it's all about rest, rest, rest and yes, if possible, potty breaks. It IS good she's peeing! Is she eating and drinking? Many dogs don't feel hungry for several days, but drinking is important! She may not poop for several days either.
This recovery stuff is no picnic for about two weeks, more or less. Stay connected and update when you can!
Oh, and if you have hardwood floors, put non slip scatter rugs down for traction .
And we would love to see pictures of Shadow when you have time. We're cheering for Shadow!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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